Govt preparing to amend National Parks and Wildlife Act

The government is making preparations to amend the National Parks and Wildlife Act-1973 to allow the general public to keep and breed certain species of wild animals.

An official at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said that if all goes as planned, individuals fulfilling the criteria prescribed by the act will allowed to keep, rear and breed certain wild animals.

The proposed move is aimed at conserving and protecting the wildlife. The government will also provide seed animal to such individuals for a certain period under the proposed amendment.

The proposed amendment aims to attract the private sector in rearing and breeding of wild animals. Body parts and goods made of parts of such animals may be sold, distributed and exported, said the official.

There will also be a provision of granting permission for the exchange of wild animals at home and abroad for research and exhibition.

Any national and international agency that wishes to seek wild animals from Nepal for the purpose of research and educational expo will be required to express commitment in writing to conserve and protect national parks, protected areas and wild animals in Nepal.

The fee for obtaining wild animals and other provisions will be as prescribed by the government.

Similarly, any organisation or entity will be allowed to establish zoo for educational, entertainment and reproductive purpose under certain terms and conditions.

Eligible organisations can also obtain permission for the establishment of wildlife rescue centre and wildlife hospital to look after orphaned, rescued and troubled animals.

source:the himalayan times,2 march 2016